China and the Philippines have agreed to establish a direct communication line between the two nations' coast guards, Commander Armand Balilo, spokesperson of the Philippine Coast Guard, said.

"An interim agreement will be discussed to establish the proposed Hotline Communication and Point of Contact between the two coast guards," Balilo said.

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The agreement was made on Monday as officials of the China Ministry of Foreign Affairs and China Coast Guards are in the Philippines from Feb. 20 to 23 to discuss future activities in the areas of search and rescue, marine pollution prevention, suppression of unlawful acts at sea, and counter-narcotics. The two parties will also tackle port visitations for ships, training, and human resource development assistance for the Philippine Coast Guard.

Balilo said that Philippine Coast Guard Officer-in-Charge Commodore Joel Garcia is looking forward to the establishment of the Joint Coast Guard Committee not only to enhance capabilities but also strengthen confidence and trust between the two nations.

The second organizational meeting in Subic, Zambales for the Joint Coast Guard Committee was organized after both countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding last October during President Rodrigo Duterte's state visit to China. The first meeting was held in Manila last December.

Balilo also revealed that Nikolai Patrushev, Russian Secretary of the Security Council, said that the Russian Coast Guard want to forge a similar activity with the Philippine Coast Guard.

So far, there has been no mention if China would cater Duterte's request to dispatch sea patrols to help stop Islamic State militants from abducting sailors and attacking vessels. It could be noted that the tough-talking president asked for China's help last month to help safeguard trade routes in Southeast Asia.

Tagsphilippine coast guard, China Coast Guard, Joint Coast Guard Committee, South China Sea